Aquamarine: The Ocean Gemstone of Serenity, Courage, and Eternal Beauty

Welcome to another sparkling edition of our gemstone series!

Here at LetsGoWherever.com, we love exploring the natural wonders that make our world so beautiful. Today, we're diving deep into the cool, calming depths of one of the most beloved and enchanting gemstones on the planet - aquamarine.

From ancient mariners who wore it as a talisman against shipwrecks to modern jewelry lovers who cherish its serene blue glow, this stunning beryl has captured human imagination for thousands of years.

What is Aquamarine?

Aquamarine is the pale blue to light greenish-blue variety of the beryl family, sharing its mineral lineage with emerald, morganite, and heliodor . Its name perfectly captures its essence, derived from the Latin words aqua ("water") and marina ("of the sea"), it truly is the gem of the ocean .

First used in the English language in 1677, the word conjures images of tropical shallows and pristine shorelines .

What makes aquamarine so special is its incredible range of blue, from the faintest whisper of sky blue to a rich, saturated azure that rivals the deepest parts of the sea . Its clarity and transparency give it a bright, energetic sparkle that has made it one of the most popular gemstones in the world . And unlike some of its more famous (and more expensive) beryl cousins, aquamarine is relatively abundant, making it accessible for everyone to enjoy .

The Science Behind the Beauty

Aquamarine owes its breathtaking color to trace amounts of iron within its crystal

structure . Two types of iron play a role: ferrous iron gives the gem its signature blue hue, while ferric iron adds a slight greenish tint . Most aquamarine found in nature actually has a greenish-blue tone, which is why heat treatment is commonly used to produce that pure, desirable blue we see in most jewelry today .

The chemical composition of aquamarine is beryllium aluminum silicate (Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈), and it crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system, forming prismatic crystals with six-sided cross-sections . These crystals can range from microscopic to absolutely enormous—the largest aquamarine rough ever found weighed a staggering 110 kilograms (243 pounds) in Brazil in 1910 .

On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, aquamarine ranks a solid 7.5 to 8, making it durable enough for everyday wear in rings and bracelets, though it can be chipped with sharp blows . Its vitreous to resinous luster gives it a beautiful glass-like brilliance when properly cut and polished .

Where in the World Can You Find Aquamarine?

Aquamarine deposits span the globe, but some locations are particularly famous for their exceptional specimens :

• Brazil: The state of Minas Gerais is the world's premier source of aquamarine . The Espirito Santo region produces stones with unique brilliance, while the Santa Maria de Itabira mine gives its name to the most prized color variety; Santa Maria aquamarine, known for its deep, vibrant blue .

  
  

• Africa: The Mozambique geological belt has emerged as a major source, with countries like Mozambique, Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Malawi producing beautiful stones . African aquamarines from Mozambique are sometimes called Santa Maria Africana when they match the deep blue of their Brazilian counterparts .

  
  

• Other Sources: Significant deposits exist in Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Sri Lanka, China, Myanmar (Burma), Russia (though now depleted), Ukraine, Australia, and the United States (particularly Colorado, which declared aquamarine its state gem in 1971) .

Aquamarine forms primarily in granite pegmatites; coarse-grained igneous rocks that represent the last stages of magma crystallization . It can also be found in hydrothermal veins within metamorphic rocks . The formation process takes millions of years, requiring just the right combination of beryllium-rich fluids, temperature, and pressure .

A History Steeped in Legend and Lore

Aquamarine's story stretches back thousands of years, weaving through the myths and cultures of civilizations around the world.

Ancient Mariners and Mermaid Treasure

The most enduring legends surrounding aquamarine connect it to the sea. Ancient tales claimed that aquamarine came from the treasure chests of mermaids, and sailors would wear the gem as a lucky charm to protect against shipwreck . The Romans and Greeks both revered it as the "sailor's gem," believing it would make them fearless and invincible to the perils of the ocean . In times of desperate storms, sailors were said to throw their aquamarines overboard as offerings to calm the gods and appease Neptune, the god of the sea .

Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD) wrote of the gem: "The lovely Aquamarine, which seems to have come from some mermaid's treasure house, in the depths of the summer sea, has charms not to be denied" .

Ancient Civilizations

The ancient Greeks used aquamarine for intaglio engravings, often carving Poseidon (Neptune) on his chariot into the stone for maximum protective power . The Romans believed the stone had healing properties, particularly for ailments of the throat, stomach, and liver, and thought it became almost invisible when submerged in water—enhancing its powers .

In China, aquamarine was used to create intricate seals, figurines, and decorative dolls . The Japanese fashioned it into netsuke—small carved toggles used to attach items to kimono sashes .

Royalty and the Divine

Aquamarine has long been associated with royalty. The Hirsch Aquamarine, a 109.92-carat stone, was once owned by French King Louis XV . Queen Elizabeth II received an aquamarine necklace and earrings from the Brazilian president at her coronation in 1953, later commissioning a matching tiara from Garrard in 1957 and adding a bracelet to complete the parure .

In a Brazilian monastery near the Espirito Santo mine, monks call aquamarine the "Divine Stone," wearing it in amulets for its calming influence during hours of silence and meditation .

Modern History

In 1936, Brazilian President Getúlio Vargas presented a magnificent 1,298 carat aquamarine to U.S. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt during a visit to Brazil . Now known as the Roosevelt Aquamarine, it resides at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum and is the second-largest cut aquamarine in the world .

Metaphysical Properties and Healing

Throughout history and into the present day, aquamarine has been credited with a wide range of metaphysical and healing properties. While these beliefs are not scientifically proven, they remain an important part of the stone's appeal for many people.

Emotional and Spiritual Healing

Aquamarine is perhaps most famous for its calming and soothing energy . Its cool blue color evokes the tranquility of the sea, and it's believed to:

• Reduce stress and quiet the mind

• Relieve fears and phobias, including fear of public speaking

• Promote courage, faithfulness, and friendship

• Harmonize relationships and prolong love—which is why it's associated with the 19th wedding anniversary

• Protect against negative influences like gossip

Chakra Connection

Aquamarine is strongly associated with the throat chakra (5th chakra) . It's believed to help with clear communication, self-expression, and speaking one's truth with confidence and openness . This makes it a popular stone for writers, speakers, and anyone who needs to express themselves clearly.

Physical Healing (Historical Beliefs)

Throughout history, aquamarine was used in various healing practices :

• Seasickness: Sailors wore it to prevent nausea on long voyages

• Throat and thyroid issues

• Eye inflammation and swollen glands

• Arthritis

• Reducing the effects of poisons (according to medieval beliefs)

Today, these uses are considered historical curiosities rather than medical recommendations but they speak to the enduring belief in aquamarine's power.

Aquamarine as March's Birthstone

For those born in March, aquamarine is more than just a pretty gem—it's a personal talisman . March babies are said to share qualities with their birthstone: a calm and collected demeanor, a deep connection to their emotions, and a natural ability to navigate life's challenges with grace . The stone's blue hue also connects to the wisdom and serenity often associated with those born in this month.

Aquamarine is the traditional gemstone for celebrating a 19th wedding anniversary, symbolizing the depth and longevity of love that has weathered life's storms .

Aquamarine in Jewelry

Aquamarine's hardness and beauty make it a favorite among jewelry designers. Its clarity and transparency allow light to dance through the stone, creating a brilliant sparkle .

Popular Jewelry Styles

• Rings: Aquamarine engagement rings have grown increasingly popular, offering a unique and meaningful alternative to diamonds . The stone symbolizes the calm, clear-minded love between partners. Stacking rings with aquamarines add subtle pops of color to any collection .

  
  

• Earrings: From simple studs (like the popular Nori style) to dramatic chandeliers, aquamarine earrings catch the light beautifully . Hoops and huggies set with aquamarines offer everyday elegance.

  
  

• Necklaces and Pendants: Solitaire pendants showcase the stone's beauty, while halo settings surrounded by diamonds add extra sparkle . The Hayden pendant, featuring a pear-shaped aquamarine with a diamond halo, is a particularly sought-after style .

  
  

• Bracelets: Aquamarine tennis bracelets offer a sophisticated way to wear multiple stones, while single-stone chain bracelets provide a discreet hint of color . The Positano bracelet is a popular choice for its classic styling .

  
  

• High Jewelry: Top designers have created spectacular aquamarine pieces. Tiffany & Co. designed an elegant 49.59-carat aquamarine necklace for the 2013 film The Great Gatsby . Van Cleef & Arpels has featured aquamarines in their Peau d'Âne and Color of Time collections . And in 2014, a Bulgari Serpenti necklace with a 13.05-carat aquamarine was sold to singer Justin Bieber for $545,000 at the Cannes Film Festival .

  
  

What to Look for When Buying

When shopping for aquamarine jewelry, consider the four Cs :

• Color: This is the most important factor. The most valuable aquamarines display a deep, saturated blue . Darker shades are generally more desirable, though some prefer the lighter, more translucent stones for their unique glitter . Smaller stones tend to be paler, while more intense color is found in aquamarines weighing 5 carats or more .

  
  

• Clarity: Look for stones that are even in tone with no visible inclusions to the naked eye . Aquamarine is prized for its clarity, and high-quality specimens are eye-clean .

  
  

• Cut: The cut should maximize the stone's brilliance and color. Popular cuts include oval, emerald, pear, and round .

  
  

• Carat Weight: Larger stones command higher prices, but stones over 25 carats may have a lower price per carat than smaller ones of the same quality .

  
  

Heat Treatment: What You Should Know

Most aquamarine on the market today has been heat treated to remove greenish tones and enhance the blue color . This treatment is permanent, stable, and undetectable in nearly all laboratory tests . Because it's so common, it's best to assume any aquamarine you purchase has been heat treated—unless you're specifically seeking an untreated stone . Naturally occurring blue aquamarine specimens are more expensive than treated ones .

Famous Aquamarines Around the World

Some aquamarines have achieved fame in their own right:

• The Dom Pedro Aquamarine: The world's largest cut aquamarine, weighing an astonishing 10,363 carats . Found in Pedra Azul, Minas Gerais, Brazil, in the late 1980s, it was cut from a 100-pound rough crystal into an exquisite obelisk shape by German gem cutter Bernd Munsteiner . It now resides at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.

  
  

• The Roosevelt Aquamarine: The second-largest cut aquamarine, weighing 1,298 carats, given to Eleanor Roosevelt in 1936 . It's displayed at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in New York .

  
  

• Queen Elizabeth's Aquamarine Tiara: Featuring several Brazilian aquamarines, this stunning tiara was commissioned by the Queen in 1957 to match her necklace and earrings . In 1971, the center stone was replaced with an even larger aquamarine .

  
  

• The Hirsch Aquamarine: A 109.92-carat stone once owned by French King Louis XV .

  
  

• Meghan Markle's Engagement Ring: The Duchess of Sussex's engagement ring features a 30-carat aquamarine that originally belonged to Princess Diana .

  
  

How to Care for Your Aquamarine

Aquamarine is durable but requires proper care to maintain its beauty .

Cleaning

• Gentle home cleaning: Use warm, soapy water (mild dish soap) and a soft-bristled toothbrush . Soak for a few minutes, gently scrub, rinse under warm water, and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth .

• Avoid: Ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners—they can damage the stone . Also avoid harsh chemicals, ammonia, and alcohol .

• Professional cleaning: Have your aquamarine jewelry professionally cleaned every six months to a year .

Storage

• Store aquamarine pieces separately in soft pouches or individual compartments in a padded jewelry box .

• Keep away from harder gemstones like diamonds and sapphires that could scratch them .

• Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight .

Daily Wear Tips

• Remove aquamarine jewelry before swimming, showering, applying lotion, or using cleaning products .

• Take off rings during physical activities like sports, gardening, or heavy lifting to prevent impacts and scratches .

• Check settings regularly to ensure prongs haven't loosened .

Zodiac Connections

While aquamarine is the birthstone for March, it connects strongly to several zodiac signs :

• Pisces (February 19 – March 20): For the intuitive and sensitive Pisces, aquamarine enhances spiritual connection and provides emotional protection. Pisces are artistic, imaginative, and deeply compassionate—qualities that align beautifully with the stone's calming energy .

  
  

• Aries (March 21 – April 19): For adventurous and energetic Aries, aquamarine brings a calming balance to their fiery nature. Aries are born with a sense of adventure and a sparkling energy for life—undoubtedly by challenges and always ready for the road less traveled .

  
  

• Scorpio (October 23 – November 21): Some traditions also associate aquamarine with Scorpio, supporting their depth and intensity .

  
  

Whether you're drawn to aquamarine for its stunning beauty, its rich history, its spiritual properties, its connection to the sea, or simply because it's your birthstone, this ocean gem has something to offer everyone. From the ancient mariners who wore it for protection to the modern jewelry lovers who cherish its serene blue glow, aquamarine continues to inspire, calm, and delight.

Where will your journey with aquamarine take you? Let us know in the comments!

Here are other articles from our Gemstone Series:

• Amethyst

• Diamond